Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads

ABSTRACT

Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 13/828,793, filed Mar. 14, 2013, which applicationclaims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/665,834, filed Jun. 28, 2012, and which application also claimspriority to and is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/250,051, filed Sep. 30, 2011, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/480,322, filed Apr. 28, 2011, andthis application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/653,771, filed May 31, 2012, all of which applications arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties and made parthereof.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to golf clubs and golf club heads.Particular example aspects of this disclosure relate to the golf clubsand golf club heads which may include monitoring devices for monitoringaspects of a golfer's swing or overall golf game.

BACKGROUND

Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players—players of differentgenders and dramatically different ages and/or skill levels. Golf issomewhat unique in the sporting world in that such diverse collectionsof players can play together in golf events, even in direct competitionwith one another (e.g., using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes,in team formats, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition.These factors, together with the increased availability of golfprogramming on television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golfhistory, and/or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golfsuperstars, at least in part, have increased golf's popularity in recentyears, both in the United States and across the world.

Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their performance, lowertheir golf scores, and reach that next performance “level.”Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment have responded to thesedemands, and in recent years, the industry has witnessed dramaticchanges and improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range ofdifferent golf ball models now are available, with balls designed tocomplement specific swing speeds and/or other player characteristics orpreferences, e.g., with some balls designed to fly farther and/orstraighter; some designed to provide higher or flatter trajectories;some designed to provide more spin, control, and/or feel (particularlyaround the greens); some designed for faster or slower swing speeds;etc. A host of swing and/or teaching aids also are available on themarket that promise to help lower one's golf scores.

Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion during play,golf clubs also have been the subject of much technological research andadvancement in recent years. For example, the market has seen dramaticchanges and improvements in putter designs, golf club head designs,shafts, and grips in recent years. Additionally, other technologicaladvancements have been made in an effort to better match the variouselements and/or characteristics of the golf club and characteristics ofa golf ball to a particular user's swing features or characteristics(e.g., club fitting technology, ball launch angle measurementtechnology, ball spin rates, etc.). Further technological advancement ingolf club design has also involved the incorporation of various types ofmonitoring devices or sensors in the golf club. Many such designs,however, have been cumbersome and unreliable. In addition, furtherprocessing of the data recorded by the sensors has been limited or notperformed in a suitable manner to be most useful to golfers.

While the industry has witnessed dramatic changes and improvements togolf equipment in recent years, there is room in the art for furtheradvances in golf club technology. Thus, while golf equipment accordingto the prior art provide a number of advantageous features, theynevertheless have certain limitations. The present invention seeks toovercome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the priorart, and to provide new features not heretofore available.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the disclosure inorder to provide a basic understanding of the disclosure and variousaspects of it. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure in any way, but it simply provides a general overview andcontext for the more detailed description that follows.

It would be advantageous to have the ability to monitor and analyzeaspects of a golfer's golf game, such as a golfer's golf swing. Forexample, it would be beneficial to be able to monitor and analyze golfswings a golfer takes during practice (such as in a teaching facility oron a driving range) or golf swings a golfer takes while actually playinga round of golf on a golf course. Therefore, particular aspects of thedisclosure are directed to a golf club which includes a monitoringdevice.

According to aspects of the disclosure, golf clubs may include a golfclub head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head whichincludes a grip engaged with the shaft. The golf club may include amonitoring device, which may include a sensor and a transmitter.Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine datarelated to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoringdevice may be configured to transmit the data related to thecharacteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device mayinclude one or more sensors for monitoring data related to aspects of agolfer's golf game (such as the golfer's golf swing) and atransmitter/transceiver configured to transmit such data. According toaspects of the disclosure, the transmitted data may be analyzed (as willbe described in below) and used to aid a golfer in improving thegolfer's abilities (e.g., the golfer's golf swing). It is noted thataccording to particular example aspects of the disclosure, other data(e.g., particular club data, on-course data (such as particular golfswings and the approximate location where the swings were taken on agolf course) may be monitored, transmitted and coordinated with the dataregarding the aspects of a golfer's golf game (such as the golfer's golfswing) and analyzed as well. Further aspects of the disclosure mayinclude sensing impact location on the golf club face upon a golferimpacting a golf ball during a golf swing. Communication of sensed datamay be transmitted, wirelessly or via other means, to a remote locationfor further processing and display to the golfer.

According to aspects of the disclosure, various structures andembodiments may be configured to receive the monitoring device oranother electronic module within a receptacle at the distal end of theshaft of a golf club head or other ball striking device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitedin the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative embodiment of a wood-type golf club structureaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cartridge according to an illustrative embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a monitoring device according to anillustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a monitoring device according to anillustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4C is an exploded view of the monitoring device shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf clubaccording to an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, including anexploded view of a grip portion of the golf club having a cartridgesupporting a monitoring device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf clubaccording to an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, including anexploded view of a grip portion of the golf club configured to receive amonitoring device;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf clubaccording to an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, including anexploded view of a grip portion of the golf club having a monitoringdevice;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative embodiment of an iron-type golf club structureaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative monitoring device with openings according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIGS. 10A-B are illustrative removable sections of a golf club accordingto aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows illustrative removable sections of a golf club accordingto aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows the illustrative removable sections of FIG. 11 incombination with their respective golf clubs according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 13 is illustrates a monitoring device configured to be engaged withvarious different pieces of sports equipment according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 14A-C show illustrative removable sections of pieces of sportsequipment according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is an illustrative monitoring device with openings according toaspects of the disclosure configured to be engaged with the removablesections of FIGS. 14A-C; and

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of a golf club including a modifiedshaft and grip according to aspects of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a modified grip and shaft of agolf club according to aspects of the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a modified grip and shaft of agolf club according to aspects of the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of a modified shaft of a golfclub according to aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the shaft of FIG. 19 with different gripsconnected to the shaft;

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate embodiments of monitoring devices and powersources for the monitoring devices, according to aspects of theinvention;

FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of a grip portion of the golf clubhaving a monitoring device and power source for the monitoring device,according to aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 27-31 illustrate one method for assembling a receptacle configuredto receive a monitoring device and a grip configured to receive a shaft;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a receptacle and gripshown in FIG. 31 according to an illustrative embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 33 is a rear view of the cartridge of FIG. 5, having flexiblemembers disposed thereon; and

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the grip portion and monitoring device ofFIG. 34, having flexible members disposed thereon.

The reader is advised that the various parts shown in these drawings arenot necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the accompanying figures disclose featuresof golf club heads and golf clubs in accordance with examples of thepresent disclosure.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE GOLF CLUB HEADS, GOLF CLUBS, ANDMETHODS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS DISCLOSURE

Aspects of this disclosure also relate to golf club shafts and golf clubgrips. Golf club shafts according to at least some example aspects ofthis disclosure may include: (a) a grip portion; and (b) a removablesection which may include a monitoring device. The monitoring deviceaccording to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may alsoinclude: (c) one or more sensors and/or (d) a transmitter fortransmitting data obtained by the one or more sensors. According to someaspects of the disclosure, the grip portion or other portion of theshaft may be configured to receive the removable section. Further,according to some aspects of the disclosure the golf club shaft (e.g.,the grip portion) may be configured to receive the monitoring devicedirectly, without a removable section. Golf club shafts of at least someexample aspects of this disclosure may include metal shafts, carbonfiber shafts, etc. and be directed to any type of golf club, includingwood-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, putter type golf clubs, etc.

Additional aspects of this disclosure relate to golf club structuresthat include golf club shafts, e.g., of the types described above. Suchgolf club structures further may include one or more of: a shaftattached to the golf club head (optionally via a shaft engaging member(e.g., a hosel) or directly inserted otherwise engaged with the shaft);a grip or handle attached to the shaft; etc.

Still additional aspects of this disclosure relate to methods forproducing golf club structures in accordance with examples of thisdisclosure. Such methods may include, for example, one or more of thefollowing steps in any desired order and/or combinations: (a) providinga golf club head e.g., by manufacturing or otherwise constructing thegolf club head body, by obtaining it from a third party source, etc.;(b) engaging a shaft of the various types described above (including anyor all of the various structures, features, and/or arrangementsdescribed above) with the golf club head; and (c) engaging a grip of thevarious types described above (including any or all of the variousstructures, features, and/or arrangements described above) with theshaft.

Given the general description of various example aspects of thedisclosure provided above, more detailed descriptions of variousspecific examples of golf clubs and golf club head structures accordingto the disclosure are provided below.

II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE GOLF CLUB HEADS, GOLF CLUBSTRUCTURES, AND METHODS ACCORDING TO THE DISCLOSURE

As discussed above, it would be advantageous to have the ability tomonitor and analyze aspects of a golfer's golf game, such as a golfer'sgolf swing. Therefore, particular aspects of the disclosure are directedto a golf club which includes a monitoring device. According to aspectsof the disclosure, the monitoring device may include one or more sensorsfor monitoring data related to aspects of a golfer's golf game (such asthe golfer's golf swing) and a transmitter configured to transmit suchdata. It is further understood that the data may be further processed ifnecessary or desired. According to aspects of the disclosure, thetransmitted data may be analyzed (as will be described in below) andused to aid a golfer in improving the golfer's abilities (e.g., thegolfer's golf swing). It is noted that in according to particularexample aspects of the disclosure, other data (e.g., particular clubdata, on the course data (such as particular golf swings and theapproximate location where the swings were taken on a golf course) maybe monitored, transmitted and analyzed as well.

Further, it would also be beneficial to configure the golf club suchthat the monitoring device is able to be removable from the golf club.For example, if a golfer wanted to use the monitoring device duringpractice (e.g., on a driving range) and did not want to use it duringplay on a golf course, it would be beneficial to have a golf clubconfigured to allow the monitoring device to be easily engageable with,and removable from, the golf club in order to allow the golfer toselectively configure the golf club to their particular preference at agiven time. If the golfer did not wish to use the monitoring deviceduring an actual round of golf, the cartridge with monitoring devicecould be removed from the club and replaced with a replacement memberwithout a monitoring device wherein the monitoring device hadcharacteristics such as weighting and aerodynamic features so as to notchange the overall characteristics of the golf club from when themonitoring device was installed on the golf club.

Therefore, aspects of the disclosure are directed to a golf club whichis configured to receive and secure the monitoring device, and is alsoconfigured to release the monitoring device. For example, aspects of thedisclosure relate to a golf club which includes a golf club shaft whichis configured to receive and secure the monitoring device in the golfclub shaft. For example, the grip of the golf club shaft may beconfigured to receive and secure the monitoring device in the grip ofthe golf club shaft. Further, example embodiments of the disclosurerelate to a golf club shaft configured to receive and secure a removablesection or a cartridge (e.g., a cartridge containing the monitoringdevice).

The following discussion and accompanying figures describe variousexample golf clubs and golf club shaft structures in accordance with thepresent disclosure. When the same reference number appears in more thanone drawing, that reference number is used consistently in thisspecification and the drawings to refer to the same or similar partsthroughout.

More specific examples and features of golf club structures according tothis disclosure will be described in detail below in conjunction withthe example golf club structures illustrated in FIGS. 1-32.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates an example of a wood-type golf club 100according to aspects of the disclosure. As seen in FIG. 1, the wood-typegolf club may include a wood-type golf club head 101 in accordance withthe present disclosure.

In addition to the golf club head 101, the overall golf club structure100 may include a shaft 103 and a grip or handle 105 attached to theshaft 103. The shaft 103 may be received in, engaged with, and/orattached to the golf club head 101 in any suitable or desired manner,including in conventional manners known and used in the art, withoutdeparting from the disclosure. As more specific examples, the shaft 103may be engaged with the golf club head 101 through a shaft-receivingsleeve or element extending into the club head 101 (e.g., a hosel),and/or directly to the club head structure 101, e.g., via adhesives,cements, welding, soldering, mechanical connectors (such as threads,retaining elements, or the like). If desired, the shaft 103 may beconnected to the golf club head 101 in a releasable manner usingmechanical connectors to allow easy interchange of one shaft for anotheron the head. The shaft 103 may be made from any suitable or desiredmaterials, including conventional materials known and used in the art,such as graphite based materials, composite or other non-metalmaterials, steel materials (including stainless steel), aluminummaterials, other metal alloy materials, polymeric materials,combinations of various materials, and the like.

The grip or handle 105 may be attached to, engaged with, and/or extendfrom the shaft 103 in any suitable or desired manner, including inconventional manners known and used in the art, e.g., using adhesives orcements, etc. As another example, if desired, the grip or handle 105 maybe integrally formed as a unitary, one-piece construction with the shaft103. Additionally, any desired grip or handle materials may be usedwithout departing from this disclosure, including, for example: rubbermaterials, leather materials, rubber or other materials including cordor other fabric material embedded therein, polymeric materials, and thelike.

Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club 100 mayinclude a hosel. According to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft 103may be received in and/or inserted into and/or through the hosel. Ifdesired, the hosel may be configured such that the shaft 103 may beengaged with the hosel in a releasable manner using mechanicalconnectors to allow easy interchange of one shaft for another on thehead. For example, threads, locking mechanisms, etc. may be incorporatedinto the hosel and the end of the shaft 103 that is to be engaged withthe hosel may be configured with a corresponding configuration. Also,the shaft 103 may be secured to the hosel via bonding with adhesives orcements, welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or otherfusing techniques, etc. Further, optionally, if desired, the hosel maybe eliminated and the shaft 103 may be directly attached to the golfclub head 101. For example, the shaft 103 may be directly engaged withthe golf club head 101 (e.g., by bonding with adhesives or cements,welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or other fusingtechniques, etc.).

According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head 101 mayinclude a ball striking face (e.g., a ball striking face which includesa face plate) 107. The ball striking face 107 may be provided integrallywith the golf club head 101. Also, the ball striking face 107 mayinclude a separate element, such as a face plate, which is configured tobe engaged with the golf club head. For example, the golf club head mayinclude a structure, such as a recess, notch or other configuration forreceiving the face plate. The face plate may be engaged with the golfclub head in a variety of ways. For example, the face plate may beengaged with the golf club head by press fitting, bonding with adhesivesor cements, welding (e.g., laser welding), soldering, brazing, or otherfusing techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.

The ball striking face 107 may be comprised of one or more materials.The material(s) of the ball striking face should be relatively durableto withstand the repeated impacts with the golf ball. For example, theball striking face 107 may comprise a high strength steel. Further,other materials, such as titanium or other metals or alloys may be usedas well. Further, the ball striking face 107 may include one or morescore lines which extend generally horizontally across the ball strikingface 107.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head may include acrown 101 a, a sole 101 b, a toe 01 c, and a heel 101 d. Further, thegolf club head 101 may be constructed in any suitable or desired mannerand/or from any suitable or desired materials without departing fromthis disclosure, including from conventional materials and/or inconventional manners known and used in the art. In fact, it is notedthat wide varieties of overall club head constructions are possiblewithout departing from this disclosure. For example, if desired, some orall of the various individual parts of the club head body describedabove may be made from multiple pieces that are connected together(e.g., by adhesives or cements; by welding, soldering, brazing, or otherfusing techniques; by mechanical connectors; etc.). The various parts(e.g., crown, sole, face, etc.) may be made from any desired materialsand combinations of different materials, including materials that areconventionally known and used in the art, such as metal materials,including lightweight metal materials (e.g., titanium, titanium alloys,aluminum, aluminum alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, etc.), compositematerials, polymer materials, etc. The club head 101 and/or its variousparts may be made by forging, casting, molding, machining, and/or usingother techniques and processes, including techniques and processes thatare conventional and known in the art.

It is noted that a wide variety of overall club head constructions arepossible without departing from this disclosure. For example, it isnoted that the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the golf clubhead 101 according to examples of this disclosure may vary significantlywithout departing from the disclosure. For example, the above describedfeatures and configurations may be incorporated into any wood-type clubheads including, for example: wood-type hybrid clubs, fairway woods,drivers, etc.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a golf club which isconfigured to receive interchangeable sections or cartridges, whereinone of the interchangeable cartridges may house one or more sensorsand/or a transmitter and a second of the interchangeable cartridges doesnot house a sensor and/or a transmitter, and may house one or moreadditional components. In this way, the golfer may selectively configurethe golf club to include, or not include, the one or more sensors and/orthe transmitter, at the golfer's discretion.

The monitoring device 201 may be configured to measure a multitude ofdifferent aspects of a golfer's golf game. For example, the monitoringdevice 201 may be configured to measure golf swing data. According toaspects of the disclosure, golf swing data may include information on avariety of different characteristics of a golf swing. Further, accordingto particular embodiments of the disclosure, the monitoring device 201may also be configured to identify the particular golf club in which thesensor is positioned. For example, an RFID tag may be used. Further,according to particular embodiments of the disclosure, the monitoringdevice 201 may also be configured to identify a location where aparticular golf swing was taken. For example, the monitoring device 201may include Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology. Suchinformation may be incorporated with maps of the golf course on whichthe golf shots were taken in order to provide a golfer with informationon each shot during a round of golf. Some of these features will bedescribed in further detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a monitoring device 201 that may beemployed according to various examples of the disclosure to measurevarious aspects of a golfer's abilities and game. The monitoring device201 may include a processor 204 for processing the electrical signalsoutput by the sensors 202. With some implementations of the disclosure,the processor 204 may be a programmable microprocessor. For still otherimplementations of the invention, however, the processor 204 may be apurpose-specific circuit device, such as an ASIC. The processor 204 maybe configured to perform any desired operation on the signals outputfrom the sensors 202, such as curve smoothing, noise filtering, outlierremoval, amplification, summation, integration, or the like. Theprocessor 204 may be configured to provide the processed signals totransmitter 203 (or transceiver). Further, the monitoring device 201 maybe configured to transmit the processed signals to a remote computersystem 400 via the transmitter 203 (or transceiver), as will bediscussed below. In one exemplary embodiment, the processed data may betransmitted wirelessly. The monitoring device 201 may also include apower supply 206, for providing power to the sensors 202, the processor204, and the transmitter 203 (or transceiver) as needed. The powersupply 206 may be, for example, a battery. Further, as discussed below,embodiments of the monitoring device 201 may include a memory (e.g., aflash memory). The memory may include both a read-only memory (ROM) anda random access memory (RAM). As will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art, both the read-only memory (ROM) and therandom access memory (RAM) may store software instructions for executionby the processor 204.

It is noted that while the depicted embodiment illustrates a processor204, according to other aspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device201 does not need to include a processor to process the data from thesensors 202. Instead, according to such aspects of the disclosure, the“raw” data from the sensors 202 may be transmitted, such as by wirelesstransmission, without being processed.

As discussed above, according to particular embodiments of thedisclosure, the monitoring device 201 may be configured to measure golfswing data. Examples of golf swing data may include, the velocity of thegolf club (or club head) during a golf swing, the acceleration of theclub (or club head) during a golf swing, the angle of the golf club (orclub head) during a golf swing (e.g., relative to one or more referencepoints), swing tempo, the impact of the ball with the golf club headduring a golf swing, aspects of the impact of the ball with the golfclub head during a golf swing (e.g., loft, etc.), etc. Further, thesensors may be configured to measure the position (e.g. a spatialposition with regard to a particular frame of reference) of the golfclub at various points in time in order to provide data on a golf swing.In this way, acceleration, velocity, positioning of the golf club may bedetermined and analyzed in 3 dimensions. Further, some or all of theabove data may be leveraged to create a graphical representation (e.g.,a picture or video) of the golf swing. For example, a swing path may begraphically represented in 3 dimensions along an X-Y-Z frame ofreference. Further, areas of the “3D golf swing” during whichacceleration is taking place may be represented differently than areasof constant velocity or deceleration. For example, high accelerationtakes place may be shown in red, while areas in the swing path duringwhich constant velocity or deceleration takes place may be shown inyellow.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device 201 mayinclude one or more sensors 202. It is noted that the sensors 202 may beaccelerometers (such as piezoelectric accelerometers), magnetometers, orgyroscopes. Hence, a monitoring device 201 according to aspects of thedisclosure may include an Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) which includesone or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers and/or gyroscopes, or somecombination thereof in an exemplary embodiment) that are configured tomeasure velocity, acceleration, orientation, gravitational forces, etc.Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous additionalsensors may be used in connection with aspects of the disclosure (e.g.,impact sensors, strain gauges, etc.). According to particularembodiments of the disclosure, the sensors 202 may be similar to sensorsused in the NIKE+™ athletic performance monitoring systems availablefrom NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg. For example, the sensors 202 maymeasure golf swing data in a manner akin to the measurement of data inNIKE+™ athletic performance monitoring systems (e.g., speed information,such as velocity and acceleration information, etc.). According toaspects of the disclosure, the sensors 202 will produce electricalsignals corresponding to the specific golfing characteristic it ismonitoring. As known in the art, these signals can then be used togenerate data representative of the golfing activity performed by thegolfer.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a particular embodiment of a monitoringdevice 201 according to aspects of the disclosure. As seen in FIGS. 3Aand 3B, the monitoring device 201 may include a generally rectangularcompartment in which sensors 202 are housed. The compartment may besimilar to the compartment used to house sensors used in the NIKE+™athletic performance monitoring systems available from NIKE, Inc. ofBeaverton, Oreg. For example, according to aspects of the disclosure,the compartment may be rectangular with rounded ends and has a length inthe range of 1.0-1.5 inches, a width of 0.4-1.0 inches and thickness of0.2-0.45 inches. Other dimensions may be used as well. Further, themonitoring device 201 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C may include threeaccelerometers, three gyroscopes and a magnetometer. Additionally, themonitoring device 201 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C may include atransmitter 203 (or transceiver) for wirelessly transmitting datadetermined by the three accelerometers, three gyroscopes and amagnetometer.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the compartment of themonitoring device 201 may be made of plastic. It is noted that othermaterials may be used as well. The compartment of the monitoring device201 may be opened to provide access to the sensors 202 and the othercomponents housed inside the monitoring device 201. For example, as seenin FIGS. 3A and 3B, the compartment of the monitoring device 201 mayinclude a cover which is configured to slide to provider access tovarious components of the monitoring device, such as the battery 206.Further, the compartment of the monitoring device 201 may house acircuit board or the like which may include various elements describedabove, such as the processor 204, sensors 202, transmitter 203, powersupply 206, memory, etc.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate a particular embodiment of the monitoring device201. Specifically, FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the monitoringdevice 201. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the bottom of themonitoring device 201. FIG. 4C is an exploded view of the monitoringdevice 201. As seen in FIGS. 4A-C, in the depicted embodiment, themonitoring device 201 includes a generally rectangular compartment inwhich sensors 202 are housed. The compartment may be similar to thecompartment used to house sensors used in the NIKE+™ athleticperformance monitoring systems available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton,Oreg. Further, the monitoring device 201 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C mayinclude three accelerometers, three gyroscopes and a magnetometer.Additionally, the monitoring device 201 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C mayinclude a transmitter 203 (or transceiver) for wirelessly transmittingdata determined by the three accelerometers, three gyroscopes and amagnetometer.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the compartment of themonitoring device 201 may be made of plastic. It is noted that othermaterials may be used as well. As seen in FIG. 4C, the compartment ofthe monitoring device 201 may be opened to provide access to the sensors202 and the other components housed inside the monitoring device 201.For example, as seen in FIG. 4B, the compartment of the monitoringdevice 201 may include a locking mechanism which allows the compartmentto be unlocked and opened. As seen in FIG. 4C, the compartment of themonitoring device 201 may house a circuit board or the like which mayinclude various elements described above, such as the processor 204,sensors 202, transmitter 203, power supply 206, memory, etc.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device 201 mayinclude an activation system. The activation system may be used forselectively activating the monitoring device 201 and/or at least somefunctions of the monitoring device 201 (e.g., datatransmission/reception functions, data storage functions, datacalculation functions, etc.). A wide variety of different activationsystems may be used without departing from this disclosure.

For example, input from the activation system may be provided in anydesired form or format without departing from the disclosure. As somemore specific examples, if desired, the activation system may include asimple button, switch, or other input source that simply provides anactivation or deactivation signal to the monitoring device 201 (e.g., alogical “1” or “0”). If desired, in at least some examples according tothis disclosure, the activation system may activate the monitoringdevice 201, based on input it receives from the remote computer 400(described below). For example a golfer may manually activate themonitoring device 201 by providing input (e.g., pressing a button) onthe remote computer 400. Alternatively, the activation system mayactivate the monitoring device 201 automatically upon a certain actionbeing performed. For example, when a golfer moves the club in which themonitoring device 201 is inserted, the activation system may induce themonitoring device 201 or its functions to operate. For example, if themonitoring device 201 includes an accelerometer and the golfer wagglesthe club (e.g., moves the club) over a predefined speed or length oftime, the activation system may automatically activate the monitoringdevice 201 and/or at least some functions of the monitoring device 201(e.g., data transmission/reception functions, data storage functions,data calculation functions, etc.). Further, the activation system mayactivate the monitoring device 201 when the golf club expands on impact(e.g., an impact with a golf ball). Further, it is noted that amonitoring device 201 may be configured to enter a sleep mode toconserve battery power if the monitoring device 201 is not used for apredetermined amount of time.

As discussed above, according to aspects of the disclosure, one of thesensors 202 may be an accelerometer. An accelerometer is a device usedto measure acceleration. For example, an accelerometer may measure themagnitude and the direction of acceleration. An accelerometer accordingto aspects of the disclosure may include a three-axis accelerometer formeasuring acceleration along three orthogonal axes. According to aspectsof the disclosure, one or more accelerometers may be included in thegolf club 100. For example, one or more accelerometers may be includedin the monitoring device 201 or other a micro-electromechanical system(MEMS) configured to be engaged within the golf club shaft 103/grip 105.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the accelerometer may beconfigured to measure the velocity of the golf club 100 (e.g., club head101, shaft 103, grip 105) during a golf swing, the acceleration of theclub 100 (e.g., club head 101, shaft 103, grip 105) during a golf swing,etc.

According to aspects of the disclosure, one of the sensors 202 may be amagnetometer. A magnetometer is an instrument used to measure thestrength and or the direction of a magnetic field around the instrument.According to aspects of the disclosure, one or more magnetometers may beincluded in the golf club 100. For example, one or more magnetometersmay be included in the monitoring device 201 or other MEMS configured tobe engaged within the golf club shaft 103/grip 105. According to otheraspects of the disclosure, one or more magnetometers may also be used todetermine golf swing parameters, e.g., using techniques incorporatingthe Earth's magnetic field as a reference, as shown and described inincorporated U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/665,834.

According to aspects of the disclosure, one of the sensors 202 may be agyroscope. A gyroscope is a device used to measure orientation androtation. For example, a gyroscope may measure orientation based on theprinciples of the conservation of angular momentum. Further, accordingto aspects of the disclosure, a three-axis gyroscope may be used toincrease accuracy. When combined with an accelerometer, the combinationof the gyroscope and the accelerometer may provide a more accurateindication of movement within a 3-D space when compare to anaccelerometer alone. According to aspects of the disclosure, one or moregyroscopes may be included in the golf club 100. For example, one ormore gyroscopes may be included in the monitoring device 201 or otherMEMS configured to be engaged within the golf club shaft 103/grip 105.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the gyroscope 320 may beconfigured to determine golf swing parameters using techniques as shownand described in incorporated U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/665,834. For example, the gyroscope 320 may be used to determine: (1)the face angle of golf club head 101, e.g., as a function of the shaftrotation rate, (2) the club head speed, e.g., as a function of theradius (arm length plus club length) and angular velocity, (3) swingtempo, e.g., based on the angular velocity, (4) time of impact, e.g.,based on the angular velocity, and/or (5) swing path, e.g., based on therotational velocity, among other parameters. It is understood that datafrom other sensors (e.g., accelerometer, impact sensor, etc.) may alsobe used in such determinations, and that data from any of the sensorsdescribed above may be combined to make the determinations describedherein.

Therefore, as demonstrated above, the monitoring device can determinevarious aspects of a golfer's golf swing, including: the velocity of thegolf club (or club head) during a golf swing, the acceleration of theclub (or club head) during a golf swing, the angle of the golf club (orclub head) during a golf swing (e.g., relative to one or more referencepoints), swing tempo, the impact of the ball with the golf club headduring a golf swing, etc.

As described above, the golf club 100 may include a transmitter 203.Further, it is noted that while a transmitter is the depictedembodiment, according to particular embodiments of the disclosure, thetransmitter 203 may be a transceiver which is capable of receiving dataas well as transmitting data. Data determined from each of the one ormore sensors 202 may be communicated to the transmitter 203. Forexample, the one or more sensors 202 may be electrically connected totransmitter 203. Alternatively, data may be communicated wirelessly fromthe one or more sensors 201 to the transmitter 203. Regardless of howthe data is communicated from the one or more sensors 202 to thetransmitter 203, the transmitter 203 may be configured to transmit thedata determined by the one or more sensors 202 to a remote computersystem 400 (e.g., a portable computer device with a receiver configuredto receive the data from the transmitter 203). While not shown,according to aspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device 201 mayinclude a memory. The memory may be configured to store data from theone or more sensors 202. More specifically, the memory may store datawhile the golfing activity takes place and save it for latertransmission to the remote computer system 400 (as discussed below).

While the data may be transmitted from the transmitter 202 in anydesired manner, wireless type transmissions may be used in embodimentsof the disclosure. Any desired wireless transmission system and methodmay be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure,including the use of any desired wireless data transmission format orprotocol, including the transmission systems and protocols currently inuse in NIKE+™ athletic performance monitoring systems. According toexample aspects of the disclosure, the transmitter 203 may be configuredto transmit data using a variety of conventional protocols. For example,the monitoring device 201 may be configured to communicate using theBluetooth wireless communication protocol, so that it can be employedwith Bluetooth-capable mobile telephones, personal digital assistants,watches or personal computers. Further, other methods of transmittingmay be used as well, such as Bluetooth2, RFID, infrared transmission,cellular transmissions, etc.

Further, according to example aspects of the disclosure, the transmitter203 may be configured to transmit data via an antenna. For example, inone embodiment of the invention, a ferrule is used as an antenna. Theferrule may be formed of a metal material or other type of antennamaterial. In another embodiment, shaft 103 may function as an antenna.An antenna may also be plated onto shaft 103, embedded under grip 105 orplaced in any other location that does not interfere with a golf swing.The monitoring device 201 and the golf club head 101 may be configuredsuch that a connection is made between the transmitter 203 and theantenna when the monitoring device 201 is engaged with the golf clubhead 101.

While wireless communication between the monitoring device 201 and theremote computer system 400 is described above, it is noted that anydesired manner of communicating between the monitoring device 201 andthe remote computer system 410 may be used without departing from thescope of the disclosure, including wired connections. For example, ifdesired, monitoring device 201 may include its own data storage systemfor storing data from the one or more sensors 202. Further, themonitoring device 201 may be configured to be engaged with the remotecomputer system 400 in order to transmit data to the remote computer400. For example, monitoring device 201 may include an interface (e.g.,a USB connection) configured to engage with a port of the remotecomputer system 400 in order to transmit data to the remote computer400.

According to aspects of the disclosure, data collected from the sensors202 may be stored during a practice session or a round of golf. Then, ata convenient time, such as after the practice session or round of golf,the golfer may disengage the monitoring device 201 from the golf clubhead and engage it with the remote computer system 400 in order totransmit the data to the remote computer system 400. Any type ofconnection system may be used without departing from the scope of thedisclosure, including a wireless connection, a hardwired connection,connection via an input port (such as a USB port, or the like), etc.

Other data storage and/or transmission arrangements also are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the invention. For example, anydesired way of placing data derived from the physical data from themonitoring device 201 in the proper form or format for communication tothe remote computer system 400 may be provided without departing fromthe invention. For example, as discussed above, the monitoring device201 may include a receiver (e.g., the transmitter 203 may be atransceiver) which determines whether a transmission from transmitter203 has been or is being received by the remote computer 400. If thetransmission from transmitter 203 is not received by the remote computer400, the monitoring device 201 may be configured to store the data onthe memory (e.g., if the remote computer system 400 is not in range oris turned off). In this way, data collected by the sensors 202 will bestored locally so that it will not be lost and can be downloaded laterto the remote computer system 400. It is noted that according to someaspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device 201 may be configuredto transmit data to the remote computer system 400 (e.g., a portablecomputer system, such as a cellular telephone) and the remote computersystem 400 may be configured to transmit data to a secondary computersystem (such as a desktop computer) or a network, such as through awired or wireless connection. In such a configuration, wherein theremote computer system 400 is portable, it could be used during play(e.g., at a practice session on a driving range or on the course duringplay) to give real time feedback to the golfer (e.g., during the roundor practice session). Thereafter or in real-time, the data from theportable remote computer system 400 may be downloaded or uploaded to thesecondary computer system for further analysis, storage, comparison,reference, presentation, etc., as shown and described in incorporatedU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/665,834.

The remote computer system 400 may be any desired type of computersystem, at any desired location, without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. Several examples of different remote computer systems 400are shown and described in incorporated U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/665,834. According to aspects of the disclosure, the remotecomputer system 400 may be, for example, portable audio and/or videoplayers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, pagers,beepers, palm top computers, laptop computers, desktop computers,servers, or any type of computer controlled device, optionally acomputer controlled device that generates or displays a humanperceptible output and/or interface. These may include a processorsystem (which may include one or more processors or microprocessors,which may be configured to execute software instructions), a memory(which may include RAM and ROM and may be configured to store varioussoftware instructions for execution by the processor system), an outputdevice (e.g., visual and/or audio output), a power supply, other userinput devices, and/or a data transmission/reception system (e.g., awireless receiver or transceiver), which may be configured to receive,from the transmitter 203, data/signals that correspond to the measuredgolfing parameter. It is understood that the processor system may beconfigured to process the data/signals from the monitoring device 201 invarious manners.

It is noted that the above described monitoring system (which includesthe monitoring device 201 and the remote computer system 400) may beconfigured to be active, real-time transmitting systems that providesdata to the remote computer system 400 as the golf activity is takingplace. Optionally, if desired, the remote computer system 400 may beconfigured to provide the golfer with real-time performance feedback(e.g., velocity of the golf club head, acceleration of the golf clubhead, the impact position of the golf ball on the ball striking face,path of the swing path of a particular swing, face angle of the ballstriking face of the club head throughout the swing (e.g., duringimpact), etc.) while the golfing performance is taking place as shownand described in incorporated U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/665,834.

The monitoring device 201 and/or the computer system 400 may furtherinclude or be usable with any other component, feature, and/or functiondescribed in incorporated U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/665,834,in various embodiments, including without limitation: (1) strain gaugesmay be used in conjunction with the monitoring device 201 in order toprovide measurements regarding the axial strain, bending moments orother characteristics of the shaft 103 or other features of the golfswing; (2) the monitoring device 201 may be configured to identify theparticular golf club in which the monitoring device 201 is engaged,e.g., by using an RFID or other chip, by utilizing protrusions asdescribed below, by using data collected on “practice” swings, etc.; (3)the monitoring device 201 and/or the computer system 400 may coordinateone or more characteristics of a particular golf shot with the identityof the particular golf club with which the shot was made, and suchidentity may also be utilized in calculating parameters (e.g., estimatedshot distance) of the golf shot; (4) the monitoring device 201 may be“universal” with respect to all golf clubs in such a set of golf clubsand/or may be “universal” with respect to other types of ball strikingdevices, such as tennis racquets, bats (e.g., baseball, softball,cricket, etc.), hockey sticks (e.g., ice hockey, field hockey), lacrossesticks, etc., and that club identification techniques described hereincan be used for identification of other ball striking devices as well;(5) the processor 204 may be configured to receive data from each (ormore than one) of the IMUs in the monitoring device 201 and compare thatdata with predetermined values or ranges to determine the data fromwhich IMU to use for a particular purpose; (6) the monitoring device 201may additionally or alternately identify a particular club or ballstriking device using instructions received manually and/or from thecomputer system 400, or may use other means for such identification; (7)the particular IMU whose data is collected and used, the identity of theclub or other piece of sports equipment with which the monitoring device201 is engaged, the particular characteristics of the swing or stroke tobe measured (e.g., based on such identity) may be chosen/dictated by theuser through voice commands; (8) the monitoring device 201 may beactivated in various ways, such as during insertion of the monitoringdevice 201 into sports equipment, manually, or automatically upon theoccurrence of an event; (9) the monitoring device 201 may becontinuously sensing and collecting data, or may be selectivelyactivated/deactivated, such as by entering a “sleep” or “hibernation”state when the monitoring device has not been active for a predeterminedamount of time; (10) the monitoring device 201 may be configured fordistinguishing different types of movement, such as an actual swing, apractice swing or movement not related to the swing, and one such typeof movement may be utilized for activation or deactivation as describedabove; (11) data from the monitoring device 201 may be used to providerecommendations to the golfer, such as by uploading to a network whichcan interpret the received data; (12) the remote computer 400 and/oranother computer (e.g., over the network) may provide coaching or drillswhich will aid an athlete in improving various aspects of their games;and others described in the incorporated application.

According to aspects of the disclosure, data collected from the abovedescribed system and metrics determined by the above described systemmay be uploaded to a network for further processing. Additionally oralternatively, the remote computer 400 itself may be configured tocompare the data and metrics with a predefined set of characteristicsfor further processing.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the shaft 103 and/or the grip105 may be configured to receive a removable section or cartridge 200.Further, the removable section 200 may be configured to receive themonitoring device 201. FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of suchaspects of the disclosure.

As seen in FIG. 5, the removable section 200 may include a circularportion which forms the top of the shaft and, also, an elongated portionconfigured to house the monitoring device 201. According to aspects ofthe disclosure, the elongated portion of the removable section 200 mayinclude guides to aid in positioning and securing the monitoring device201 within the removable section 200. It is noted that the removablesection 200 may be configured to secure the monitoring device 201 insuch a way that the monitoring device 201 does not move within theremovable section 200. For example, the removable section 200 may beconfigured to engage with the monitoring device 201 (e.g., a compartmentwhich includes the exterior of the monitoring device 201) via pressfitting, snap fit mechanisms (e.g., spring loaded protrusions andcorresponding detents), mechanical fasteners, etc. For example, theelongated portion may include a first arched end configured to engage afirst rounded end of the compartment, a second arched end configured toengage a second rounded end of the compartment and a back portion whichextends between the first arched portion and the second arched portionand is configured to engage a side of the compartment. In this way, theremovable section 200 may be configured to support and stabilize themonitoring device 201. For example, the elongated portion may beconfigured to secure the compartment which may be rectangular with firstand second rounded ends and have a length in the range of 1.0-1.5inches, a width of 0.4-1.0 inches and thickness of 0.2-0.45 inches.According to aspects of the disclosure, the removable section 200 may bemade of plastic. It is noted that other materials, such as rubber, orcombinations thereof may be used as well.

The removable section or cartridge 200 may be configured to be engagedwith the grip 105 in a variety of ways. For example, the grip 105 may beconfigured with an opening at its terminal end that is configured toreceive the removable section 200. Further, the grip 105 may beconfigured with guides within the interior of the grip 105 that guidethe removable section during insertion into the grip 105. Also, the gripmay be configured with a locking mechanism, such as threads which linethe interior of the grip 105. The removable section 200 may include acorresponding structure through which the removable section 200 isengaged and locked with the grip 105 upon twisting the removable section200 into the grip 105. Alternatively, the removable section 200 may beconfigured to engage with the grip 105 via press fitting, snap fitmechanisms (e.g., spring loaded protrusions and corresponding detents),mechanical fasteners, etc. In one example embodiment, as shown in FIG.33, the removable section 200 may have flexible members 221 positionedon the clip 207 that holds the monitoring device 201. The flexiblemembers 221 are configured to engage the interior of the grip 105 and/orshaft 103 to retain the removable section 200 and the monitoring device201 in place inside the grip 105. In the embodiment illustrated, theflexible members 221 are in the form of ridges that partially encirclethe base 209 of the clip member 207, but may be configured differentlyin other embodiments. For example, the flexible members 221 may beconfigured as ridges that completely encircle a component, or may beconfigured as bumps or tabs on the exterior surface. In one embodiment,the flexible members 221 may be positioned at least on the areas of theremovable section 200 that have the maximum dimension perpendicular tothe direction of insertion into the grip 105/shaft 103. The flexiblemembers 221 allow the removable cartridge 200 to be inserted intomultiple grips having varying shaft diameters. This further allows theremovable cartridge 200 to be used in different clubs or other sportingequipment. It is understood that other embodiments of removablecartridges 200 shown and described herein may include flexible members221 for these purposes, including the removable cartridges illustratedin FIGS. 6, 10A-15, and 30-32. The flexible members 221 can be formedfrom a variety of materials known in the art, including rubber orpolyurethane. In another embodiment, one or more fasteners (not shown)may be used to retain the cartridge 200 within the shaft 103, includingthe configuration described below and shown in FIG. 6 or otherconfigurations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a removablesection or cartridge according to aspects of the disclosure. Forexample, as seen in FIG. 6, the cartridge 200 may be configured to fitwithin a top portion of the grip 105, or distal end of the grip 105. Thetop portion of the grip 105 may include a first portion which isconfigured to receive the cartridge supporting the monitoring device 201and a second portion configured to engage with the interior of the shaft103 of the golf club. Hence, the top portion of the grip 105 may beconfigured to removably fit within the golf club shaft 103. Theremovable top portion of the grip 105 and the cartridge 200 may beconfigured to be attached to each other as explained below.

Hence, in an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the top portion ofthe grip 105 may be considered a cartridge holder or a componentreceptacle 106. In this embodiment, the cartridge holder 106 defines ahousing which is configured to receive components such as the monitoringdevice 201, the power source 206, and/or other components. The cartridgeholder 106 generally includes a first portion 108 which is configured toreceive the cartridge 200 supporting the monitoring device 201 and asecond portion 110 configured to engage with the shaft 103 of the golfclub.

The first portion 108 has a main body portion 190 having a first opening191 therein and a second opening 192. The first opening 191 is generallyan elongated slot that extends generally longitudinally into the mainbody portion 190. The first opening 191 can vary in length and width andis generally dimensioned to receive the portion of the cartridge 200holding the monitoring device 201 as described in greater detail below.The first opening 191 is dimensioned such that there minimum playbetween the cartridge 200 and the main body portion 190, in oneembodiment. The second opening 192 includes a connecting structure, suchas threading, in an exemplary embodiment. The main body portion 190further defines a recessed portion 193 at a distal end, and the firstopening 191 and the second opening 192 open at the recessed portion 193.The second portion 110 is configured for engaging the shaft 103, and inthe embodiment of FIG. 6, has a protrusion 194 that extends from themain body portion 190 of the first portion 108. The protrusion 194 maybe hollow and is dimensioned to fit within and extend into the shaft103. The protrusion 194 may engage the shaft 103 in another manner inother embodiments, or the cartridge holder 106 may include a differentengaging structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge holder106 is an integral member and can be formed from a variety of materialsknown in the art. In addition, an outer surface of the main body portion190 may be formed with the material identical to the remaining portionsof the grip member to provide a uniform surface as desired.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the removable cartridge 200 has a cap member205 having a clip member 207 depending from the cap member 205. The capmember 205 has an orifice 208 extending therethrough and adjacent to theclip member 207. The clip member 207 has a base 209 and a resilientfinger 210 extending generally transversely from the base 209 at the endopposite the cap member 205. The base 209 is dimensioned to accommodatethe length of the monitoring device 201. The resilient finger 210engages an end of the sensor 201. Thus, it is understood that themonitoring device 201 is inserted into the cartridge 200 wherein themonitoring device 201 is secured generally in an interference fit inthis embodiment. One end of the monitoring device 201 is engaged by theresilient finger 210 and another end of the monitoring device 201 isengaged by an underside of the cap member 205. Accordingly, themonitoring device 201 can be snapped into the clip member 207. Ifdesired, additional fingers or other retaining elements can beincorporated with the clip member 207, and the cartridge 200 and themonitoring device 201 may include complementary engaging structure, suchas tabs and slots. For example, additional retaining elements may beemployed when a longer base 209 is utilized thus spacing the sensor 201further away from the cap member 205.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge holder 106 is secured to theshaft 103. The second portion 110 is inserted and secured to the shaft103. This connection may be a permanent connection or a releasableconnection. The removable cartridge 200 is inserted into the cartridgeholder 106. The base 209 and finger 210 holding the monitoring device201 are inserted into the first opening 191. The structure of the mainbody portion 190 surrounds and securely holds the cartridge 200 andthereby further protects the monitoring device 201 from damage due toimpact or the elements. It is further understood that in thisembodiment, the first opening 191 is generally non-circular wherein theclip member 207 holding the sensor 201 must be inserted into the firstopening 191 in a set, fixed orientation. Further, with minimum playaround the monitoring device 201, the position of the monitoring device201 is always known. This aids in the ability to record and analyze datain a desired fashion.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 200 and the top portion of thegrip 105 may be configured to be fastened together by a threadedfastener 211 or other connection member. In this embodiment, the capmember 205 is received in the recessed portion 193. The cap member 205is generally flush with the end of the cartridge holder 106. The orifice208 on the cap member 205 is aligned with the second opening 192. Athreaded fastener 211 is inserted through the orifice 208 and secured inthe second opening 192 by threadable engagement. The second opening 192may contain a threaded insert 195 to establish such engagement, as inthe embodiment of FIG. 6, or may include integral threading or anotherconnecting structure in another embodiment. Thus, removable cartridge200 is thus secured in the grip of the club by a single fastener. It isunderstood that other fastening mechanisms could be utilized between theremovable cartridge 200 and the cartridge holder 106, or otherwise thegrip 105. The other fastening mechanisms include snap-fittingconfigurations or interference fittings as well as other mechanicalconfigurations. With such configuration, the cartridge holder 106holding the cartridge 200 is seamlessly integrated into the grip 105 andis virtually undetectable. The golf club appears like any traditionalgolf club that does not incorporate any sensor technology. Further, asseen in FIG. 6, the first portion of the grip 105 configured to receivethe cartridge supporting the monitoring device 201 may be configured tosurround and securely hold the cartridge 200 and thereby further protectthe monitoring device 201 from damage due to impact or the elements.

It is further understood that the removable cartridge 200 may utilizefeatures of other embodiments described herein. For example, the clipmember 207 may have different lengths such as shown in FIG. 11. Thecartridge holder 106 may then have corresponding structure to cooperatewith a cartridge 200 with such dimensions. The cartridge 200 may alsoemploy the various lock-out or other identifying structures describedherein.

According to other aspects of the disclosure, the grip 105 may beconfigured to receive and secure the monitoring device 201 directly,without the inclusion of a separate removable section or cartridge 200.FIG. 7 shows an illustrative embodiment of such aspects of thedisclosure.

The monitoring device 201 may be configured to be engaged with the grip105 in a variety of ways. For example, the grip 105 may be configuredwith an opening at its terminal end that is configured to receive themonitoring device 201. For example, as seen in FIG. 7, the grip 105 mayinclude a slit that is configured to receive the monitoring device 201when the monitoring device 201 is inserted into the grip 105 along themonitoring device's longitudinal axis. The slit may be configured toprovide a tight interference fit with the monitoring device 201. It isnoted that in this way, the grip 105 may be configured to secure themonitoring device 201 such that the monitoring device 201 does not movewithin the grip 105. In this way, the removable section 200 may beconfigured to support and stabilize to the monitoring device 201.

Further, the grip 105 may be configured with guides within the interiorof the grip 105 that guide the monitoring device 201 during insertioninto the grip 105. Also, the grip may be configured with a lockingmechanism, such as a cover which includes flaps through which themonitoring device is inserted. It is noted that monitoring device 201may be configured to engage with the grip 105 via other methods as well,including snap fit mechanisms (e.g., spring loaded protrusions andcorresponding detents), other mechanical fasteners, etc.

While, the engagement of the monitoring device 201 and the removablesection 200 with the shaft is described above with respect to the grip105, it is noted that, alternatively, the shaft 103 may be configured toreceive the monitoring device 201 and/or the removable section 200 atthe fixed end of the shaft 103, proximate the head. Further, theinterior of the shaft 103 may be configured to position the monitoringdevice 201 at any point along the length of the shaft 103 (e.g., at thefixed end, the butt/grip end, the center, etc.).

According to aspects of the disclosure, the grip/butt end of the shaft103 (or a portion thereof) may be removable to allow the monitoringdevice 201 to be inserted, such as shown in FIG. 18 and described ingreater detail below. Additionally, or alternatively, as describedabove, the fixed end of the shaft may be removably engaged with the golfclub head 101. Hence, the monitoring device 201 may be inserted intothat end of the shaft 103 as well. Further, it is noted that, ifdesired, more than one monitoring device 201 may be inserted into theshaft 103 in order to measure various different locations or differentportions of the shaft 103 during the golf swing.

According to aspects of the disclosure, golf club 101 may include amonitoring device 201 in both the shaft 103 and in the golf club head101. For example, the golf club 101 may include two monitoring devices201, such as a first monitoring device 201 which is positioned in thegrip 105 (such as shown in FIG. 5) and a second monitoring device 201which is positioned in the golf club head 101 as shown and described inincorporated U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/665,834.Regardless of how many monitoring devices 201 are included in the golfclub and the positioning of the monitoring devices 201 on or within thegolf club, according to aspects of the disclosure, a first monitoringdevice 201 may be configured to be a “master” monitoring device 201 andthe other monitoring devices 201 may be configured to communicate datato the “master” monitoring device 201 as also shown and described inincorporated U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/665,834.

While wood-type golf clubs and wood-type golf club heads have beendescribed in detail above, other aspects of this disclosure relate toiron-type golf club heads and iron-type golf clubs. For example, FIG. 8illustrates an example of an iron-type golf club 700 according toaspects of the disclosure. As seen in FIG. 8, the iron-type golf club700 may include an iron-type golf club head 701 in accordance with thepresent disclosure. It is understood that any aspects described hereinmay be utilized with a wood-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, orother type of golf club. Further, the monitoring device 201 andassociated mounting structures may be utilized with other types of ballstriking devices and sporting equipment, such as tennis or otherracquets, bats (e.g., baseball, softball, cricket, etc.), hockey sticks(e.g., ice hockey, field hockey), lacrosse sticks, etc., as illustratedin FIG. 13.

In addition to the golf club head 701, the overall golf club structure700 may include a shaft 703 and a grip or handle 705 attached to theshaft 703. The shaft 703 may be received in, engaged with, and/orattached to the golf club head 701 in any suitable or desired manner,including in conventional manners known and used in the art, withoutdeparting from the disclosure. As more specific examples, the shaft 703may be engaged with the golf club head 701 through a shaft-receivingsleeve or element extending into the club head 701 (e.g., a hosel),and/or directly to the club head structure 701, e.g., via adhesives,cements, welding, soldering, mechanical connectors (such as threads,retaining elements, or the like). If desired, the shaft 703 may beconnected to the golf club head 701 in a releasable manner usingmechanical connectors to allow easy interchange of one shaft for anotheron the head. Also, the grip or handle 705 may be attached to, engagedwith, and/or extend from the shaft 703 in any suitable or desiredmanner, including in conventional manners known and used in the art,e.g., using adhesives or cements, etc. The shaft 703 and the grip orhandle 705 may be made from any suitable materials such as thosedescribed above with regard to the wood type golf club 100.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf club head 701 may alsoinclude a ball striking face (e.g., a ball striking face which includesa face plate) 711. According to aspects of the disclosure, the golf clubhead 701 may be constructed in any suitable or desired manner and/orfrom any suitable or desired materials without departing from thisdisclosure, including from conventional materials and/or in conventionalmanners known and used in the art. For example, the club head 701 and/orits various parts may be made by forging, casting, molding, and/or usingother techniques and processes, including techniques and processes thatare conventional and known in the art. According to aspects of thedisclosure, the golf club head 701 may be a blade type iron golf clubhead. According to other aspects the golf club head 701 may be aperimeter weighted and/or cavity back type golf club head or other irontype golf club head structure.

By way of example, the grips of each of the golf clubs in the set ofgolf clubs may be configured to receive the monitoring device 201 in amanner discussed above with regard to FIGS. 5-7. For example, asdiscussed above, according to particular embodiments of the disclosure,monitoring device 201 may be similar to those used in the NIKE+™athletic performance monitoring systems available from NIKE, Inc. ofBeaverton, Oreg. For example, as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the monitoringdevice 201 may include a generally rectangular compartment which may besimilar to the compartment used to house sensors used in the NIKE+™athletic performance monitoring systems available from NIKE, Inc. ofBeaverton, Oreg. Further, the compartment of the monitoring device 201may house various elements described above, such as the processor 204,sensors 202, transmitter 203, power supply 206, memory, etc. Further, asdescribed above, according to aspects of the disclosure, the monitoringdevice 201 may be configured to engage with the grip 105 of the golfclub. For example, as described with regard to FIG. 5, the grip 105 maybe configured to receive a removable section or cartridge 200 and theremovable section 200 may be configured to receive the monitoring device201.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the engagement between themonitoring device 201 and removable section 200 the particular golf clubmay cause a particular IMU of the monitoring device 201 to beselectively activated. For example, as seen in FIG. 9, in one suchembodiment, the monitoring device 201 may include one or more openings201 o configured to receive one or more protrusions (e.g., prongs) thatextend from the removable section 200 of the particular golf club.According to aspects of the disclosure, a particular IMU of themonitoring device 201 may be activated based on which of the openings inthe monitoring device 201 receive a protrusion of the removable section200.

For example, the monitoring device 201 may include four openings 201 o.Further, as seen in FIG. 10A, a removable section 200 of a putter of theset of golf clubs may have two protrusions 200 p that are configured toengage with the first and second of the four openings 201 o ofmonitoring device 201. When the first and second holes are engaged bythe two protrusions of the a removable section 200 of a putter, a firstIMU of the monitoring device 201 that is configured to measure velocityand/or acceleration associated with a putting stroke (e.g., an IMU thatmay be extremely sensitive to small changes in velocity and/oracceleration (e.g., fractions of a meter per second or m/s²)) may beselected and/or activated.

Conversely, as seen in FIG. 10B, a removable section 200 of an iron-typegolf club or a wood-type golf club of the set of golf clubs may have twoprotrusions that are configured to engage with the third and fourth ofthe four openings 201 o of monitoring device 201. When the third andfourth openings 201 o are engaged by the two protrusions of the aremovable section 200 of the iron-type golf club or the wood-type golfclub, a second IMU of the monitoring device 201 that is configured tomeasure velocity and/or acceleration associated with a golf swing forthe iron-type golf club or the wood-type golf club (e.g., an IMU thatmay be may be less sensitive to small changes in velocity and/oracceleration (as compared with the first IMU) and able to moreaccurately determine larger changes in velocity and/or acceleration(e.g., at least several meters per second or m/s²)) may be activated.

It is noted that in some embodiments, the protrusions of the removablesection 200 may be configured to activate detecting switches withinmonitoring device 201 which cause the processor 204 to determine whichof the IMUs to use. Several examples of utilizing IMUs are shown anddescribed in incorporated U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/665,834.

The protrusions 200 p and openings 201 o may be arranged such that themonitoring device 201 can only be engaged with the removaable section inan intended orientation. For example, while a “universal” monitoringdevice 201 may have four holes, the protrusions 200 p on the removablesection 200 and openings 201 o on the monitoring device 201 are arrangedsuch that they will align only when the monitoring device 201 is engagedwith the removable section 200 in the intended orientation.

It is noted that according to other aspects of the disclosure, and asshown in FIG. 7, the grip 105 may be configured to receive and securethe monitoring device 201 directly, without the inclusion of a separateremovable section. As discussed above, the monitoring device 201 may beconfigured to be engaged with the grip 105 in a variety of ways. Forexample, the grip 105 may be configured with an opening at its terminalend that is configured to receive the monitoring device 201. However,regardless of how the monitoring device 201 is engaged with the grip105, the grip 105 itself may be configured with the above discussedprotrusions 200 p configured to engage with the openings 201 o in themonitoring device 201 to selectively determine which of the IMUs of themonitoring device 201 to use in capturing data associated with the golfstroke. For example, the grip 105 may include a slit that is configuredto receive the monitoring device 201 when the monitoring device 201 isinserted into the grip along the monitoring device's longitudinal axis.Further, one or both of the rounded ends of the compartment of themonitoring device 201 may be configured to include the openings 201 owhich are configured to receive the protrusions 200 p and the lower endof the slit may include the one or more protrusions 200 p. Additionally,or alternatively, the protrusions 200 p may positioned on the sides ofthe slit and may be spring loaded, flexible, etc. in order toaccommodate the insertion and removable of the monitoring device 201.

It is noted that while four openings 201 o and four protrusion 200 p arediscussed in the illustrative embodiment, it is clear that anycombination of openings 201 o and protrusions 200 p may be used providedthe combination will sufficiently allow the monitoring device 201 toselectively determine which of the IMUs of the monitoring device 201 touse in capturing data associated with the golf stroke.

In addition to the above described embodiment which includes protrusionsfor activating detection switches, shape memory alloy may be used aswell. Shape memory alloy is a substance which is configured to return toits original shape upon heating.

Further, while the above embodiment discussed the structural engagementbetween the monitoring device 201 and the golf club 100 as a means ofallowing the monitoring device 201 to selectively determine which of theIMUs of the monitoring device 201 to use in capturing data associatedwith the golf stroke, other methods and means may be used as well,including an RFID chip or other chip, as discussed elsewhere herein.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device 201 may beconfigured to be charged. As described above, the monitoring device 201may include a power supply (e.g., a battery). Further, the monitoringdevice 201 may be configured to receive a charging cable which willprovide power to recharge the power supply. In some embodiments, themonitoring device 201 may be configured to receive the charging cablewhile the monitoring device 201 is in the golf club itself. For example,in embodiments where the monitoring device 201 is positioned in theshaft/grip of the golf club, the end of the golf club may be removed andthe charging cable may be hooked into the monitoring device 201. Inanother embodiment, the cartridge 200 as shown in FIGS. 6 and/or 27-32may include integral structure to enable charging. Alternatively,according to aspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device 201 may beconfigured to be charged via induction charging.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the monitoring device 201 isconfigured to receive information via a charging cable. For example, thecharging cable may be a USB cable which is configured to connect themonitoring device 201 with computer (e.g., the remote computer 400) orother data source. Accordingly, during the connected with the computer,the monitoring device 201 can update firmware, reboot the system, andconduct other diagnostic checks and updates as needed or instructed.

As seen in FIGS. 10A and B, the removable section 200 may include acircular portion which forms the top of the shaft and, also, anelongated portion configured to house the monitoring device 201.According to aspects of the disclosure, the elongated portion of theremovable section 200 may include guides to aid in positioning andsecuring the monitoring device 201 within the removable section 200. Itis noted that the removable section 200 may be configured to secure themonitoring device 201 in such a way that the monitoring device 201 doesnot move within the removable section 200. For example, the removablesection 200 may be configured to engage with the monitoring device 201(e.g., a compartment which includes the exterior of the monitoringdevice 201) via press fitting, snap fit mechanisms (e.g., spring loadedprotrusions and corresponding detents), mechanical fasteners, etc. Forexample, the elongated portion may include a first arched end configuredto engage a first rounded end of the compartment, a second arched endconfigured to engage a second rounded end of the compartment and a backportion which extends between the first arched portion and the secondarched portion and is configured to engage a side of the compartment. Inthis way, the removable section 200 may be configured to support andstabilize the monitoring device 201. For example, the elongated portionmay be configured to secure the compartment which may be rectangularwith first and second rounded ends and have a length in the range of1.0-1.5 inches, a width of 0.4-1.0 inches and thickness of 0.2-0.45inches.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the elongated portion of theremovable section 200 may be configured to have a particular length suchthat when the removable section 200 is engaged with the grip of the golfclub, the removable section 200 positions the monitoring device 201within the shaft 103 such that the monitoring device 201 is offset by aspecified distance from a reference point. For example, according to oneembodiment, the elongated portion of the removable section 200 mayinclude the first arched end configured to engage a first rounded end ofthe compartment, the second arched end configured to engage a secondrounded end of the compartment and the back portion which extendsbetween the first arched portion and the second arched portion and isconfigured to engage a side of the compartment, but the first archedend, second arched end and back portion are spaced further away from theround portion of the removable section which forms the end cap. Forexample, the first arched end, second arched end and back portion may bespaced from the round portion by a section of the elongated portion thatextends between the round portion and the upper arched end of the guidefor receiving the monitoring device.

The section of the elongated portion that extends between the roundportion and the upper arched end of the guide may be a particular lengthsuch that when the removable section 200 is engaged with the shaft, ofthe golf club, the removable section 200 positions the monitoring device201 within the shaft such that the monitoring device 201 is offset by aspecified distance from a reference point. Further, as each differentgolf club in the set of golf club has a center of mass that is in adifferent location than the other golf clubs in the set, the removablesection 200 associated with each of the respective, different golf clubsin the set may have to be configured differently in order to ensure thethat the respective monitoring device 201 is positioned within theshaft, such that the monitoring device 201 is offset by a specifieddistance from a reference point. For example, the length of the sectionof the elongated portion that extends between the round portion and theupper arched end of the guide may be a different for each of therespective removable sections 200 in the golf club set in order toensure the that the respective monitoring device 201 is positionedwithin the shaft, such that the monitoring device 201 is offset by aspecified distance from a reference point.

FIG. 11 illustrates embodiments of such removable sections 201. As seenin FIGS. 11-12, according to a particular embodiment of the disclosure,a first removable section 200 associated with a first golf club of theset of golf clubs may have a first elongated portion that has a firstlength, while a second removable section 200 associated with a second,different golf club of the set of golf clubs may have a second elongatedportion that has a second length which is different (e.g., longer) fromthe first length. Further, as seen in FIG. 11, according to a particularembodiment of the disclosure, a third removable section 200 associatedwith a third, different golf club of the set of golf clubs may have athird elongated portion that has a third length, which is different(e.g., longer) than the first or second lengths. For example, a shorterclub (e.g., a pitching wedge) may have the removable section 200 withthe elongated portion that has the first length while a longer club(e.g., a long iron or hybrid type golf club) may have the removablesection 200 with the elongated portion that has the second length.Further, an even longer club (e.g., a driver) may have the removablesection 200 with the elongated portion that has the third length. It isnoted that while only three embodiments are shown in FIG. 11, each ofthe golf clubs in the set could have a removable section 200 with anelongated portion of a different length (e.g., increasing longer as thelength of the club increases) in order to position the monitoring device201 in the correct positioning.

According to other embodiments of the disclosure, the removable sections200 may have other structures as well. For example, according to someembodiments of the disclosure, the removable sections 200 may be aself-locating, conical structure in which the monitoring device 201 isreceived. The conical structure may be configured to engage with theinterior of the shaft 103 of the golf club 100 in order to position themonitoring device 201 in the appropriate position within the shaft 103.For example, the multitude of conical removable sections 200 forengagement with the different clubs in a set of golf clubs may be longerand wider (e.g., have an increased diameter) to position the monitoringdevice 201 in the appropriate position within the shaft 103. Accordingto some embodiments of the disclosure, the interior of the golf clubshaft 103 may include a structured (e.g., positioningrecesses/protrusions or ledges) which are configured to engage with theremovable sections 200 and position the monitoring device 201 in theappropriate position within the shaft 103.

While the concept of a set of golf clubs in which each club may beconfigured such that it secures its respective monitoring device 201 ata common point respective to each of the golf clubs in the set (e.g.,such that the monitoring device 201 is offset by an identical specifieddistance from a reference point which is common to each of the golfclubs in the set) has been illustrated with respect to a removablesection 200, it is noted that other means may be used as well, such asthose described in incorporated U.S. Provisional Application No.61/665,834.

FIGS. 14A-C show illustrative removable sections 200 according toaspects of this disclosure. As seen in FIGS. 14A-C, each of theremovable sections 200 may include an elongated portion configured toaid in housing the monitoring device 201. As described above, each ofthe elongated portions may include a first arched end configured toengage a first rounded end of the compartment, a second arched endconfigured to engage a second rounded end of the compartment and a backportion which extends between the first arched portion and the secondarched portion and is configured to engage a side of the compartment ofthe monitoring device 201. According to aspects of the disclosure, theelongated portion of each of the removable section 200 may include theone or more protrusions 200 p. As seen FIG. 14A, the illustrativeremovable section 200T includes a plurality of protrusions 201 p whichare arranged in unique positioning. In this case there are fiveprotrusions 200 p arranged in the unique positioning. It is noted thatthe number of protrusions 200 p and the unique positioning of thoseprotrusions 200 p may be configured such that when engaged with themonitoring device 201, they indicate to the monitoring device to thepiece of sports equipment with which the monitoring device 201 isengaged. For example, the number of protrusions 200 p and the uniquepositioning of those protrusions 200 p in illustrative removable section200T may indicate to the monitoring device 201 that the monitoringdevice 201 is engaged with a tennis racquet.

Similarly, FIGS. 14B-C each show other illustrative removable sections200 with their own respective plurality of protrusions 201 p which arearranged in unique arrangements. For example, as seen in FIG. 14B, theillustrative removable section 200H may include six protrusions 200 parranged in a unique positioning which may indicate to the monitoringdevice 201 that the monitoring device 201 is engaged with a hockeystick. Further, as seen in FIG. 14C, the illustrative removable section200L may include seven protrusions 200 p arranged in a uniquepositioning which may indicate to the monitoring device 201 that themonitoring device 201 is engaged with a lacrosse stick.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative monitoring device 201 according to aspectsof this disclosure. As seen in FIG. 15, the flat side of the compartmentof the monitoring device 201 may be configured to include the one ormore openings 201 o (which are configured to receive the protrusions 200p. Additionally, or alternatively, one or both of the rounded ends ofthe compartment of the monitoring device 201 may be configured toinclude the openings 201 o which are configured to receive theprotrusions 200 p which are positioned on the first arched portionand/or the second arched portion of the removable section 200.

As seen FIG. 15, the illustrative monitoring device 201 includes aplurality of openings 201 o which are arranged such that the openings201 o can accommodate each of the unique arrangements of the protrusionsof the various removable sections 200. In this example, there are nineopening 201 o which are configured to receive the protrusions of thevarious removable sections 200. Further, as seen in FIG. 15, theopenings 201 o can receive each of the unique arrangements of theprotrusions of the various removable sections 200T, 200H, 200L.

It is noted that these embodiments are merely illustrative and not meantto be limiting. For example, while nine openings and 5-7 protrusions arediscussed in the illustrative embodiments, it is clear that anycombination of openings and protrusions may be used provided thecombination will sufficiently allow the monitoring device 201 toselectively determine the piece of sports equipment with which themonitoring device 201 has been engaged and, further, select theparticular characteristics it will measure and the data it will collect.For example, other protrusions 200 p (e.g., number of protrusions,arrangements of protrusions) and sets of openings 201 o (e.g., number ofopenings, arrangements of openings) may be used in accordance withaspects of the disclosure.

It is noted that in some embodiments, the protrusions of the removablesections 200 may be configured to activate detecting switches withinmonitoring device 201 which cause the processor 204 to determine thepiece of sports equipment with which the monitoring device 201 has beenengaged and, further, is configured to select the particularcharacteristics it will measure and the data it will collect. Forexample, engagement of the protrusions with the openings of theremovable section 200 may cause the detecting switches within theopenings to move from a first position to second position. The processor204 may be configured to recognize this movement and depending on whichof the detecting switches have been moved, determine the piece of sportsequipment with which the monitoring device 201 has been engaged and,further, is select the particular characteristics it will measure andthe data it will collect. Alternatively, there may be electricalconnections made between the protrusions and the elements (e.g., leads)within the opening of the removable section 200. The processor 204 maybe configured to recognize these connections and depending on which ofthe elements are contacted and, thereby, determine the piece of sportsequipment with which the monitoring device 201 has been engaged and,further, select the particular characteristics it will measure and thedata it will collect. Of course, these are just examples and othermethods of selectively determining the piece of sports equipment withwhich the monitoring device 201 has been engaged and, further, selectingthe particular characteristics it will measure and the data it willcollect may be used.

The protrusions and openings may be arranged such that the monitoringdevice 201 can only be engaged with the removable section in an intendedorientation. For example, while the “universal” monitoring device 201may have nine holes, the protrusions on the removable section 200 andholes on the monitoring device 201 are arranged such that they willalign only when the monitoring device 201 is engaged with the removablesection 200 in the intended orientation.

It is noted that as discussed above, according to other aspects of thedisclosure, the grip 105 may be configured to receive and secure themonitoring device 201 directly, without the inclusion of a separateremovable section or cartridge 200. As discussed above, the monitoringdevice 201 may be configured to be engaged with the grip 105 in avariety of ways. For example, the grip 105 may be configured with anopening at its terminal end that is configured to receive the monitoringdevice 201. However, regardless of how the monitoring device 201 isengaged with the grip 105, the grip 105 itself may be configured withthe above discussed protrusions configured to engage with the openingsin the monitoring device 201 to selectively determine the piece ofsports equipment with which the monitoring device 201 has been engagedand, further, select the particular characteristics it will measure andthe data it will collect accordingly. For example, the grip 105 mayinclude a slit that is configured to receive the monitoring device 201when the monitoring device 201 is inserted into the grip along themonitoring device's longitudinal axis. Further, one or both of therounded ends of the compartment of the monitoring device 201 may beconfigured to include the openings which are configured to receive theprotrusions and the lower end of the slit may include the one or moreprotrusions. Additionally, or alternatively, the protrusions maypositioned on the sides of the slit and may be spring loaded, flexible,etc. in order to accommodate the insertion and removable of themonitoring device 201.

According to an additional aspect, a club as described herein may bedimensioned to accommodate a larger component, such as a largermonitoring device 201 or a monitoring device 201 having a larger sizedpower supply 206 (e.g. battery). In one embodiment, the power supply 206and/or the device 201 may be positioned in a receptacle 110 a proximatethe end of the grip 105, such as by using a removable section 200 asdescribed above and shown in FIGS. 5 and 9-15, a configuration as shownin FIG. 7, or another configuration. The shaft 103 and/or the grip 105may be dimensioned, in such configurations, to have a larger internaldimension (ID) to accommodate the larger power supply 206. The shaft 103and/or the grip 105 may also include a larger outer/external dimension(OD) as a result of the increased ID, although in one embodiment, the IDmay be increased with either no increase or a proportionately smallerincrease in the OD, such as by thinning the wall of the shaft 103. It isunderstood that the ID and the OD referred to herein are dimensions of across-section taken perpendicular to the central axis of the shaft 103.A typical golf club shaft has a maximum internal dimension of 0.5-0.7inches (typically an internal diameter). In one embodiment, the shafts103 as shown in FIGS. 16-21 may have a receptacle 110 a with a maximuminternal dimension of 0.510-1.0 inches. This increased maximum internaldimension permits a component, such as a battery 206 or a monitoringdevice 201 with an internal battery 206, having an external width ofbetween 0.505 and 1.00 inches to be received therein. Other componentsizes may be accommodated by using shafts 103 with different dimensions,according to the principles described herein. Additionally, it isunderstood that while these accommodation principles are described withrespect to a golf club, they are not limited for use with golf clubs andmay be used with any of various other striking devices. It is understoodthat the internal dimension of the shaft 103 may generally taperoutwardly toward the butt end, and in one embodiment, the shaft 103 mayhave its maximum internal and external dimensions at the point adjacentthe receptacle 110 a.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a receptacle 110 a for theenlarged component may be located at the butt end of the shaft 103 (alsoreferred to as the distal end), and the shaft 103 may be tapereddifferently along its entire length in order to create a larger ID andOD proximate the butt end of the shaft 103. A typical shaft dimension isillustrated in broken lines in FIG. 16. In another embodiment, a portionof the shaft 103 may an ID and/or OD that increase more rapidly thanother portions of the shaft 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, aportion 103 c of the shaft 103 may have a different taper angle from theremainder of the shaft 103 in order to create a larger ID and OD at thereceptacle 110 a proximate the butt end of the shaft 103. In anotherexample, as shown in FIG. 18, the shaft 103 may have a step or shoulder103 a (i.e. a rapid increase in diameter formed by a rapid increase andthen a rapid decrease in taper angle) located at some point along thelength of the shaft 103 to create a larger ID and OD at the receptacle110 a proximate the butt end of the shaft 103. In this embodiment, theportions of the shaft 103 other than the step 103 a may havesubstantially the same taper angle or different taper angles. FIG. 18also includes a cap 112, which may constitute one example of an accessmember to permit access to the receptacle 110 a. The cap 112 in thisembodiment is configured for a snap fit connection, but otherconfigurations may be used as well, including threading, press-fit,flip-top, and other suitable configurations. Other embodiments hereinmay incorporate similar access members. A removable section 200 mayalternately be used in connection with any of the embodiments of FIGS.16-21.

The grip 105 may be enlarged and otherwise dimensioned to be engagedwith the larger end of the shaft 103 in any of these embodiments. The IDof the grip 105 may be enlarged substantially similarly to the OD of theshaft 103, in order to facilitate engagement. In one embodiment, the ODof the grip 105 may have a lesser degree of enlargement than the ID ofthe grip 105 and/or the OD of the shaft 103. For example, as shown inFIG. 18, the portions of the grip 105 located beyond the step 103 a mayhave walls that are thinner than some portions of the grip 105 locatedcloser to the club head. The grip 105 may have a substantially constantwall thickness in another embodiment.

It is understood that while the shafts 103 shown in FIGS. 16-21 arecircular in cross-section, shafts 103 having other shapes may be used aswell, such as an elliptical or obround shape. In one embodiment, therelevant ID and OD are the maximum internal dimension and the maximumouter dimension of the shaft. Additionally, the increase in ID or OD maynot be constant or proportional around the entire periphery of the shaft103. In other words, the ID and/or OD may increase only along one axis,or to a greater degree along one axis, relative to other axes. Forexample, a shaft 103 with a circular cross-section may bedisproportionately enlarged to create an elliptical, obround, or otherelongated shape.

The enlarged ID and/or OD of the shaft 103 may be created by anextension 110 connected to the end of a conventional shaft body 103 b,such as in the embodiment in FIGS. 19-21. In this embodiment, theextension 110 defines a housing that includes a receptacle 110 a, whichis configured to receive components such as the monitoring device 201,the power source 206, and/or other components, and a connector 110 bconfigured for connection to the shaft body 103 b. The connector 110 bmay be configured for connection to the shaft body 103 b by a variety ofdifferent connecting structures, such as press-fit, bonding (e.g.adhesive, cement, etc.), threading connection, snap fit or otherinterlocking connections, and/or other permanent or releasableconnections. The shaft body 103 b may have complementary connectingstructure in one embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 18-19, the connector 110b has an ID and OD that are smaller than the ID and OD of the portion ofthe extension defining the receptacle 110 a, and the step 103 b createsthis difference in dimension. The connector 110 b in this embodimentalso has an ID and OD that are smaller than the ID and OD of the shaft103. The extension 110 may be configured to receive a cap 112 asdescribed above, a removable section 200 as described above and shown inFIGS. 5 and 9-15, and/or a different type of access member that may bemanipulated to provide access to the internal components. Alternately,the extension 110 may be configured to receive one or more componentssimilarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, or another configuration asdescribed above.

Additionally, in the embodiments of FIGS. 17-21, it is understood thatthe shaft 103 may have its maximum ID and OD at the juncture between theshaft 103 and the extension 110.

A grip 105 such as shown in FIG. 18 may be used for connection to theshaft 103 with such an extension 110, as illustrated in FIG. 20, where asingle, integral grip member 105 covers the end portion of the shaft 103and also at least partially covers the outside of the extension 110. Inanother embodiment, the extension 110 may have a separate outer gripmember 105 a that is substantially flush with the outer surface of atraditional grip member 105 engaged with the shaft body 103 b, asillustrated in FIG. 21. Other types of grips 105 may be utilized infurther embodiments.

Various different configurations of monitoring devices 201 and powersources 206 may be accommodated by golf clubs as shown in FIGS. 16-21and described above. FIGS. 22-25 illustrate various examples of suchmonitoring devices 201 that can be used in conjunction with theembodiments of FIGS. 16-21. FIG. 22 illustrates a monitoring device 201with a separate power source (e.g. battery) 206 that is connectable tothe monitoring device 201 by one or more contacts 213 that are receivedin one or more receptacles 214 in the monitoring device. In thisembodiment, the battery 206 is larger (wider) than the device 201 and isaccommodated by the increased dimension D of the shaft 103, as describedabove. The device 201 may be sized to fit in a standard diameter SDshaft in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 23 illustrates amonitoring device 201 with an integrated battery 206 that is enlargedwith respect to the rest of the device 201 and can be accommodated bythe increased dimension D of the shaft 103, as described above. FIG. 24illustrates a monitoring device 201 with a separate battery 206 that isconnectable to the monitoring device 201 by one or more contacts 213that are received in one or more receptacles 214 in the monitoringdevice 201. In this embodiment, both the battery 206 and the device 201are sized to be accommodated by the increased dimension D of the shaft103, as described above. FIG. 25 illustrates a monitoring device 201with an integrated battery 206, where the entire device 201 is enlargedand can be accommodated by the increased dimension D of the shaft 103,as described above. The batteries 206 and/or the devices 201 in theseembodiments may also have recharge ports 212 that may be accessiblethrough the end of the shaft 103 by manipulating the access member (e.g.cap 112). The increased dimension D of the shaft 103 may also functionto accommodate monitoring devices 201 and/or batteries 206 of furtherdifferent sizes and shapes, as well as other components with such sizes.

The monitoring device 201 may be retained inside the receptacle 110 a invarious manners, including, without limitation, interference fit,threading, fasteners, and other structures and techniques describedelsewhere herein. In one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, themonitoring device 201 may have flexible members 221 positioned on aportion thereof. The flexible members 221 in this embodiment areflexible ridges that extend completely around a depending portion 222 ofthe casing of the monitoring device 201 to retain the monitoring device201 in place inside the receptacle 110 a. In other embodiments, theflexible members 221 may have a different configuration, and may haveany configuration described above with respect to FIG. 33. The flexiblemembers 221 are configured to engage the standard diameter SD of theshaft 103 and/or the interior surfaces of the connector 100 b in thisembodiment. In one embodiment, the flexible members 221 may bepositioned at least on the areas of the depending portion 222 that havethe maximum dimension perpendicular to the direction of insertion intothe grip 105/shaft 103. In other example embodiments, the device 201 mayhave flexible members 221 configured to additionally or alternatelyengage increased dimension D of the shaft 103. The flexible members 221allow the monitoring device 201 to be inserted into multiple shaftshaving varying shaft diameters. This further allows the monitoringdevice 201 to be used in different clubs or other sporting equipment. Itis understood that other embodiments of electronic modules 201 shown anddescribed herein may include flexible members 221 for these purposes,including the electronic modules 201 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-4C, 7, 9,and 22-25. The flexible members 221 can be formed from a variety ofmaterials known in the art, including rubber or polyurethane, asdescribed above. In another embodiment, one or more fasteners (notshown) may be used to retain the monitoring device 201 within thereceptacle 110 a, including the configuration described above and shownin FIG. 6 or other configurations.

The ability to accommodate larger components may have numerousadvantages to devices and systems as described herein. For example,accommodating a larger battery may permit the monitoring device and/orother components to be powered for longer periods of time, such as atleast one day or even several days, such as for an extended golfingtrip. As another example, accommodating a larger monitoring device maypermit incorporation of additional components and features within thedevice. Room for additional components outside the monitoring device mayalso be created. Still other benefits are apparent to those skilled inthe art.

In another embodiment, the shaft 103 may be connected to a receptacle orcartridge holder 106 and a grip member 105 that are co-molded to form asingle, integral grip assembly 109, configured to receive the shaft 103,such as in the embodiment in FIGS. 27-32. In this embodiment, thereceptacle or cartridge holder 106 defines a housing which is configuredto receive components such as the monitoring device 201, which mayinclude the power source 206, and/or other components,

One embodiment of a method for assembly of a ball-striking device asdescribed above is illustrated in FIGS. 27-32. First, as seen in FIG.27, the receptacle 106 is separately molded. In this embodiment, thereceptacle 106 is molded to have features similar to the cartridgeholder 106 described above in reference to FIG. 6. The receptacle 106 isgenerally configured to receive the cartridge 200 supporting themonitoring device 201. The receptacle 106 has a main body portion 190having a first opening 191 therein and a second opening 192. The firstopening 191 is generally an elongated slot that extends generallylongitudinally into the main body portion 190. The first opening 191 canvary in length and width and is generally dimensioned to receive theportion of the cartridge 200 holding the sensor 201 as described ingreater detail below. The first opening 191 is dimensioned such thatthere is minimum play between the cartridge 200 and the main bodyportion 190. The second opening 192 includes a connecting structure,such as threading, and may is configured to receive a threaded insert195 in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-32. The main body portion 190 furtherdefines a recessed portion 193 at a distal end and the first opening 191and the second opening 192 open at the recessed portion 193. In oneembodiment, the receptacle 106 may contain structure for engaging theshaft 103, such as structure to engage the inner surface of the shaft103 as described above and shown in FIG. 6. In an exemplary embodiment,the receptacle 106 is an integral member and can be formed from avariety of materials known in the art. Further, as seen in FIG. 6, thereceptacle 106 may be configured to surround and securely hold thecartridge 200 and thereby further protect the monitoring device 201 fromdamage due to impact or the elements.

The cartridge 200 is also separately molded to include variousstructural features as described above, including, for example, the capmember 205, the clip member 207, and the orifice 208. As shown in FIG.6, the removaable cartridge 200 has a cap member 205 having a clipmember 207 depending from the cap member 205. The cap member 205 has anorifice 208 extending therethrough and adjacent to the clip member 207.The clip member 207 has a base 209 and a resilient finger 210 extendinggenerally transversely from the base 209 at the end opposite the capmember 205. The base is dimensioned to accommodate the length of themonitoring device 201. The resilient finger 210 engages an end of themonitoring device 201. Thus, it is understood that the monitoring device201 is inserted into the cartridge 200 wherein the monitoring device 201is secured generally in an interference fit. One end of the sensor 201is engaged by the resilient finger 210 and another end of the monitoringdevice 201 is engaged by an underside of the cap member 205.Accordingly, the monitoring device 201 can be snapped into the clipmember 207. If desired, additional fingers or other retaining elementscan be incorporated with the clip member 207, and the cartridge 200 andthe monitoring device 201 may include complementary engaging structure,such as tabs and slots. For example, additional retaining elements maybe employed when a longer base 209 is utilized thus spacing the sensor201 further away from the cap member 205. It is further understood thatthe removable cartridge 200 may utilize features of other embodimentsdescribed herein. For example, the clip member 207 may have differentlengths such as shown in FIG. 11. The receptacle 106 may then havecorresponding structure to cooperate with a cartridge 200 with suchdimensions. The cartridge 200 may also employ the various lock-out orother identifying structures described herein. In one embodiment, thecartridge 200 is injection molded. The shaft 103 and monitoring device201 or other sensors are also constructed prior to assembly.

The receptacle 106 is connected to a grip member 105 to form an integralgrip assembly 107, as shown in FIGS. 28-32. The grip member 105 forms agrip surface on the end of the shaft 103 that functions as a normalgrip. The receptacle 106 and the grip member 105 may be made from thesame or different materials, and in one embodiment, the receptacle 106may be formed from a material that is relatively harder, stronger, andor less flexible than the grip member 105, which may be made from asofter and more flexible material. As examples, the grip member 105 maybe made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other urethanes,natural or synthetic rubber, silicone materials, epoxies, thermoplasticelastomers (TPE), or other polymeric materials. Additionally, asexamples, the receptacle 106 may be made from polypropylene, acetalmaterials, polycarbonates (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),nylon, or other polymeric materials, which may include reinforcement(e.g., glass or graphite). Alternately, the receptacle 106 may be formedfrom a metallic material or other non-polymer based material. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 27-32, the grip member 105 completelysurrounds the receptacle 106 except for the exposed top of thereceptacle 106 (where the recess 193 is located), to provide acontinuous outer gripping surface around the receptacle 105. The gripmember 105 may have a first portion 215 near the end of the shaft 103that surrounds the receptacle 106 and a second portion 216 that islocated below the receptacle 106, with the first and second portions215, 216 having different wall thicknesses. In the embodiment of FIGS.27-32, the first portion 215 has a smaller wall thickness than thesecond portion 216. Additionally, the receptacle 106 further includes anarrowed portion 214 having a smaller outer dimension that permits it tobe received within the second portion 216 of the grip member 105. Thereceptacle 106 and the grip member 105 both have shoulders 218 thatcreate a rapid dimensional change at the juncture of the first andsecond portions 215, 216 in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-32, but may havea different structure in other embodiments. It is understood that thegrip member 105 and the receptacle 106 may have additional portions withdifferent dimensions in other embodiments.

The grip member 105 defines an elongated central passage 132 that isconfigured to receive the shaft 103, such that the interior surface ofthe grip member 105 engages the outer surface of the shaft 103. Thenarrowed portion 214 of the receptacle 106 contacts the end of the shaft103 in this embodiment, and may include a structure that engages theshaft 103 in another manner. For example, the receptacle 106 may includea structure that receives a portion of the shaft 103, or a portion thatfits within the shaft 103, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6 describedabove.

The grip assembly 107 can be manufactured as a single unit and thenconnected to the shaft 103 during manufacturing, as described below. Thereceptacle 106 may be connected to the grip member 105 to form the gripassembly through an overmolding process, as described below andillustrated schematically in FIGS. 27-32. As seen in FIG. 28, thereceptacle 106 is formed, such as by an injection molding process,including all the features described above. At least somepost-manufacturing machining may be necessary in one embodiment. Afterthe receptacle 106 is formed, the grip member 105 is formed by molding agrip material around the receptacle 106 in an overmolding process. It isunderstood that an overmolding process may include placing thereceptacle 106 in a mold cavity and molding the grip material in contactwith at least a portion of the outer surface of the receptacle 106. Theover-mold grip material also forms the hollow central passage 132configured to receive a shaft. The receptacle 106 is located at a distalend of the hollow central passage 132. The over-mold grip material formsa single, integral piece with the receptacle 106. In some embodiments,as seen in FIG. 28, the over-mold grip material has a varying thickness,as described above. In other embodiments, the over-mold grip materialmay only surround a portion of the outer surface of the receptacle 106,and the grip member 105 may leave at least portions of the sides of thereceptacle 106 exposed.

During assembly, as seen in FIG. 28, the threaded insert 195 is insertedinto the second opening 192, and in one embodiment, the insert 195 isinserted into the second opening 192 after completion of the gripovermolding. This connection may be secured by an interference fit, abonding material, or other means. The shaft 103 is inserted into thehollow central passage 132 of the grip member 105, as seen in FIG. 29.The shaft 103 may be secured to the grip member 105 by an interferencefit, a bonding material, or other connection technique. The shaft isconnected to the receptacle 106 in an exemplary embodiment. Themonitoring device 201 or other sensor is inserted into the cartridge200, as seen in FIG. 30. The removable cartridge 200 is inserted intothe receptacle 106. The base 209 and finger 210 holding the monitoringdevice 201 are inserted into the first opening 191. The structure of themain body portion 190 surrounds and securely holds the cartridge 200 andthereby further protects the monitoring device 201 from damage due toimpact or the elements. It is further understood that the first opening191 is generally non-circular in this embodiment, wherein the clipmember 207 holding the monitoring device 201 must be inserted into thefirst opening 191 in a set, fixed orientation. Further, with minimumplay around the sensor 201, the position of the sensor 201 is alwaysknown. This aids in the ability to record and analyze data in a desiredfashion.

As further shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 31, the cartridge 200 and thereceptacle 106 may be configured to be fastened together by a threadedfastener 211 or other connection member that engages the second opening192 (e.g., one or more protrusions, flexible tabs, clamps, anchors,etc., which may be mechanically engageable and/or connected using abonding material). For example, the cap member 205 is received in therecessed portion 193. The cap member 205 is generally flush with the endof the cartridge holder 106. The orifice 208 on the cap member 205 isaligned with the second opening 192. A threaded fastener 211 is insertedthrough the orifice 208 and secured in the second opening 192. Inanother embodiment, the second opening 192 may include integralthreading or another connecting structure. Thus, removable cartridge 200is secured in the grip of the club by a single fastener. It isunderstood that other fastening mechanisms could be utilized between theremovable cartridge 200 and the receptacle 106, or otherwise the grip105. The other fastening mechanisms include snap-fitting configurationsor interference fittings as well as other mechanical configurations.With such configuration, the receptacle 106 holding the cartridge 200 isseamlessly integrated into the grip 105 and is virtually undetectable.The golf club appears like any traditional golf club that does notincorporate any sensor technology.

The embodiments of the cartridge 200 and grip assembly 107 asillustrated in FIGS. 27-32 can be used to create a mount for amonitoring device 201 or other component that is concealed within thegrip portion and is not externally detectable. These embodiments alsoprovide for removal, reinsertion, and/or interchangeability of themonitoring device 201 as desired. Further, the grip assembly 107provides a single, integral structure that can be easily connected tothe golf club shaft 103 in substantially the same manner as a normalgrip, and therefore does not require any specialized assembly. Stillfurther, the use of a co-molding process can decrease the cost andincrease the efficiency of manufacturing the grip assembly 107, and cancreate a single, integral structure. Still other benefits and advantagesare apparent to those skilled in the art.

III. CONCLUSION

The present disclosure is described above and in the accompanyingdrawings with reference to a variety of example structures, features,elements, and combinations of structures, features, and elements. Thepurpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of thevarious features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limitthe scope of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art willrecognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to theembodiments described above without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. For example, thevarious features and concepts described above in conjunction with FIGS.1 through 32 may be used individually and/or in any combination orsubcombination without departing from this disclosure.

1. An assembly comprising: an extension configured to be removably engaged with a grip or distal end of a sports implement, wherein the extension has a receptacle configured to receive an electronic module.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension has a first portion having a connector configured to engage the grip or distal end of the sports implement to connect the extension to the grip or distal end of the sports implement and a second portion defining the receptacle.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the extension and the second portion of the extension are integrally formed.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein an interior surface of the connector is configured to engage an outer surface of the grip or distal end of the sports implement
 5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the connector comprises a protrusion that extends from the second portion and is configured to fit within and extend into the grip or distal end of the sports implement.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension has an opening providing access to the receptacle.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, further comprises a cap configured to cover the opening.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising the electronic module received within the receptacle.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the electronic module comprises a sensor configured for sensing a swing parameter of the ball striking device during use.
 10. A grip assembly comprising: a receptacle configured to receive an electronic module and a grip member connected to the receptacle to form the grip assembly as a single, integral piece, the grip member defining a central passage receiving the distal end of the shaft to connect the grip assembly to the shaft, wherein the grip assembly is configured to connect to the distal end of a sports implement.
 11. The grip assembly of claim 1010, further comprising an electronic module received within the receptacle.
 12. The grip assembly of claim 11, wherein the electronic module comprises a sensor configured for sensing a swing parameter of the ball striking device during use.
 13. An assembly comprising: an extension configured to be removably engaged with a grip or distal end of a sports implement, the extension comprising a first portion having a receptacle configured to receive an electronic module, an opening for insertion and removal of the electronic module into and from the receptacle, and a retaining member configured to retain the electronic module within the receptacle, the extension further comprising a second portion having a connection member configured to removably connect the extension to the grip or distal end of the sports implement, wherein the extension is configured such that the first portion extends distally beyond the grip or distal end of the sports implement.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the grip or distal end of the sports implement is elongated along an axis, and wherein the first portion of the extension extends beyond the grip or distal end of the sports implement in a direction along the axis. 